The sheet runs from the guards to the paperwork, with a tick for pass, fail or not applicable on each line. A last section holds the items for this machine.
Guarding and controls
Guards fitted, secure and not defeated
Controls present, visible and identifiable
Control systems respond correctly
Limit switches, overloads, interlocks work
Stop and emergency stop
Normal stop works and is easy to reach
Emergency stop works and is easy to reach
Isolation from energy
Isolators present and identifiable, all energy
Stability and lighting
Clamped or stabilised where needed
Lighting suitable at the point of use
Markings and warnings
Health and safety markings clear
Warnings and warning devices work
Maintenance and condition
Evidence of last inspection present
Condition: wear, damage, deterioration
Maintenance up to date, log current if kept
Maker’s routine items, such as fluid levels
Operator competence and information
Users trained, instructions available
How often, and who records it
How often
PUWER gives no interval. Your risk assessment sets it. HSE’s examples run from weekly checks of guards and safety devices to fuller examinations every few months or longer.
Who inspects
A competent person. An employee can do it if they know the machine, the faults to look for and how to act on one.
What goes on the sheet
The equipment, its serial or plant number, the location, the findings, a tag number, who was told and when it was put right.
How long to keep it
Until the next inspection is on record.
PUWER checklist questions
Does all work equipment need a PUWER inspection?
No. HSE says not all work equipment needs a formal inspection. It is for equipment where your risk assessment shows a significant risk.
Do PUWER pre-use checks need a record?
No. L22 says a regulation 6 inspection does not include a pre-use check, and pre-use checks need no record. This sheet is the inspection, so it does.
Does hired equipment need proof of inspection?
Yes. Equipment coming from another business, or leaving yours, needs physical evidence that its last inspection was done. L22 accepts a copy of the record, or a tag or colour code that links back to it.
What should a PUWER record hold?
L22 suggests the type and model, an ID, the usual location, the date, who inspected, the faults, the action taken, who was told and when repairs were done.
